Tour operators, under the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network (HHTDN) have urged the Sikkim government to review the situation in North Sikkim and consider reopening the popular tourist destinations of Lachen and Lachung, which have remained closed for several months due to disruptions.
In a letter addressed to the tourism and civil aviation department, HHTDN general secretary Tshering Thendup Bhutia and advisor Samrat Sanyal requested a timely review of the ground situation and the phased reopening of these areas. They stressed that the prolonged closure has led to severe economic and social distress among tourism stakeholders, many of whom operate hotels, homestays, and related businesses dependent entirely on visitors to north Sikkim.
The association pointed out that the early arrival of the Puja season this year—expected to begin between 10-15 September, makes the reopening of Lachen and Lachung even more urgent, as the festive period traditionally brings a large influx of tourists to the region.
Highlighting accessibility challenges, HHTDN has also sought the introduction of frequent helicopter services to North Sikkim. “Given the vulnerability of road connectivity during the monsoon and post-disaster recovery periods, heli-services would not only improve tourist access but also support emergency operations, logistics, and restoration of livelihoods,” the letter said.
Expressing gratitude to the government for its support to the tourism sector, HHTDN urged the authorities to take swift steps to ensure that north Sikkim’s tourism-dependent communities receive much-needed relief through safe, regulated reopening and improved connectivity.